archie bunker wrote:
I often wonder if all of this 'improvement' has spoiled us, or ruined us.
They made it back then, and were happy. It seemed like they might have worked a little harder, but life was so much simpler. Me, I don't mind the extra work it takes to be 'simple'. My grandparents were my foundation. If it weren't for them. I wouldn't have the values I have today. I remember talking to my Granny once when I had a young family, and was struggling to get by. I had taken a janitorial job at night for extra money. I felt like it was beneath me to do that kind of work.
Granny looked me in the eye, dead square, and said: Sammy, it doesn't matter if you are cleaning a toilet, driving a truck, or the damn president. If you are working as hard as you can to make an honest living, and support your family, there is nothing to be ashamed of!!
I can't wait to go see her in heaven!! I just hope I can get there!!
I often wonder if all of this 'improvement' has sp... (
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Every generation has said this about the younger one. It's very easy to forget how really difficult it really was "back then." Our memories are so that we really only recall the better parts and we're not built to recall the difficulties actually gone through.
Just think, years ago the population was not as mobile and relocating was quite an ordeal. Think about how much more the younger generation has demanded of them: further studies for degrees which were not required "back then," the necessity for knowledge in fields we didn't dream of, the need for multi tasking to name a few. There is a larger gap between the generations. The elders should really try to understand the added responsibilities of the young. They also have difficult times but those times are different from what they were when we were young when stresses were much more physical. Today the demand is for less muscle and more intellect. They have so much more to learn as those jobs we knew about no longer exist.
The world was in as much of a turmoil as it is now but is caused by changing demands. Just take a look at the advantages the younger generation have made possible. Our "horses" now require a better understanding. Jumping on the back of just one of them requires a deeper knowledge of the "creature." Get away from this forum and spend time looking at the advances in every area that have taken place making our present lives so much easier. We didn't get that ease without a lot of work creating it.
For us older people, think about the "between" generations - they were much more innovative than during our time. Do you recall when everything under the hood of your car was interchangeable with all the other brands?
I've just been through surgery that would not have been possible without the younger generations. I did research on those techniques that made it possible for me to continue living. I was amazed at the advancements in every field. Of course those advancements came more from using the muscles in one's head rather than those in one's arms. Take the time to look into what these "soft" kids requirements are - just to live.
Alex, I do believe it was you who said that it's a lot easier for us to get there on the back of a horse. That, although simply put, is quite profound. I can see you've been keeping up with the accomplishments of the younger generations and give them credit for the "horses" they've created. Yes, they're different but that difference is what's brought the human race out of the caves.
Yesterday I watched a ballet performed by robots. Do you realize that robotic miniaturization is making such great advances that, in a short time, doctors will find it unnecessary to pierce the skin on our bodies and instead, will use miniature intelligent robots that can do the job better - without leaving scars.
I take this time to introduce my fellow posters to Ted.com which will cause admiration of our younger generation and give the oldsters more reason to thank them. Change is, and has always been, more difficult for the old who cannot possibly understand the hard life our youngsters have. Different yes, but still hard. Let's celebrate them. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: ;)